Karin M. Smith, MBA, SFO, CFE

Consulting Partner

"As a member of the Consulting Team at HeinfeldMeech, I have the opportunity to work with a variety of clients both internally and externally on numerous types of engagements. Our clients are driven to do what is best for their community and my role is to help guide them in those decisions. My experience and expertise in day-to-day operations as well as a deep understanding of the compliance requirements allows me to be a resource to our clients."

About Karin

Very close, large family. Enjoy spending time away from work with many, many nieces and nephews

Enjoys traveling, especially to the beach

Life doesn’t exist without Diet Pepsi

Wildcat Fan!

Graduate of all three state universities

Board President for Raising Special Kids, a local nonprofit organization

Areas of Expertise:

School district and governmental finance and operations
Trainings for client personnel
Identifying efficiencies for school districts
Popular Annual Financial Report submissions to GFOA for awards
Meritorious Budget Award reviews

Professional Accomplishments:

Recipient of the 2023 AASBO Chuck Essigs Outstanding Service to Arizona Education Award
Frequent speaker at industry conferences and trainings, including those sponsored by AASBO, ASBO International, ASCPA, Arizona School Board Association, GFOA, Arizona School Computer Users’ Support Group, and the Native American Grant School Association
Member of the AASBO Professional Development Committee
Member of GFOA’s review committee for Popular Annual Financial Reports
Member of ASBO International’s Meritorious Budget Awards Advisory Committee
Revised examination for Administrator in School Finance and Operations certification with ASBO International

Articles and Presentations:

Turning the Calendar to 2026: Key Payroll Updates Every Employer Needs to Know

Managing Student Level Funding Data

Calendar Year End Reminders

Tackling Long Range Budget Planning in the School District Environment

ESSER I Moves into the Rearview Mirror

Hidden Gems (or Boulders!) Found in the 2021 Legislative Session

Changes to the 1099 Form for 2020

Memberships:

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Arizona Association of School Business Officials
Association of School Business Officials International
Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
Government Finance Officers Association

Heinfeld Meech

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